“The Surrogate Mother” by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its unexpected twists and fast-paced narrative. This novel, told entirely from Abby’s perspective, which I love by the way.In this review, we will delve into the elements that make this book a page-turner, while also discussing some of its shortcomings. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or new to the genre, this review will help you decide if “The Surrogate Mother” is worth your time.
Table of Contents
Summary of “The Surrogate Mother”
“The Surrogate Mother” follows the story of Abby, who agrees to be a surrogate for Monica and Sam, a couple desperate to have a child. What starts as a seemingly straightforward arrangement quickly spirals into a complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. Abby finds herself in increasingly dangerous situations as she uncovers shocking truths about Monica’s intentions and Sam’s past.
Plot and Pacing
One of the standout features of “The Surrogate Mother” is its plot. Freida McFadden expertly crafts a story filled with “aha” moments and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. The fast-paced nature of the book makes it incredibly engaging, i finished this book in just 3 hours. The lack of perspective changes enhances the story’s intensity, as staying in Abby’s point of view ensures that readers are as in the dark as she is about the true motives and secrets of the other characters.
Character Development
The characters in “The Surrogate Mother” are almost well-developed, as can be for a short thriller, with distinct personalities and believable motivations. However, there are some notable issues with their development and behavior that can detract from the overall experience.
Abby
Abby, the protagonist, is a sympathetic character whose journey is both thrilling and frustrating. Her initial decision to become a surrogate is rooted in good intentions, but her naivety and tendency to ignore red flags can be exasperating. Despite these flaws, Abby’s determination and resilience make her a character worth rooting for.
Sam
Sam, on the other hand, is a character who can be difficult to like. His naivety and failure to recognize Monica’s manipulations are major points of frustration. Even more troubling is his unwillingness to support Abby, despite their decade-long relationship. This lack of loyalty made me absolutely hate sam.
Monica
Monica is the story’s antagonist, and her character is shrouded in mystery and malevolence. Her actions and intentions drive much of the novel’s suspense, and her ability to manipulate those around her adds to the story’s tension. However, some readers may find her character to be a bit too one-dimensional, with her motivations not fully explored or explained.
I feel like her motives could have been explained further because her actions didn’t really make sense.
Themes and Messages
“The Surrogate Mother” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires. Abby’s journey highlights the importance of trusting one’s instincts and the dangers of ignoring red flags in relationships.
Writing Style and Narrative
Freida McFadden’s writing style is clear and concise, with a strong focus on maintaining suspense and keeping the reader engaged. The decision to tell the story exclusively from Abby’s perspective is a wise one, as it heightens the tension and ensures that readers are fully immersed in her experience. The prose is straightforward, making the book accessible and easy to read. As I’ve mentioned before I hate a dual pov.
Strengths
Twists and Turns: The novel is filled with unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and guessing.
• Fast Pace: The story moves quickly, making it a quick and satisfying read.
• Single POV: Staying in Abby’s perspective enhances the suspense and keeps the reader invested in her journey.
Weaknesses
Naive Characters: Sam’s naivety and Abby’s tendency to ignore red flags can be frustrating for readers.
• Lack of Support: Sam’s failure to support Abby, despite their long history, detracts from his character’s likability.
• Underdeveloped Antagonist: Monica’s motivations and backstory could be more fleshed out to create a more nuanced antagonist.
“The Surrogate Mother” book review conclusion
In conclusion, “The Surrogate Mother” by Freida McFadden is a thrilling and fast-paced novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book’s numerous twists and the decision to stick to a single point of view make it a compelling read. However, the frustrations with some character behaviors and underdeveloped motivations can detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, “The Surrogate Mother” is an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that is worth reading, especially for fans of the genre. But me personally I have this book a 4/5 stars.
Genre: psychological thriller
Page count: 342
Release date: April 20, 2020
Available: Kindle unlimited & Amazon.com
